When people think of the rainiest places in the country, states like Washington and Oregon usually come to mind. In reality, some of the states with the most rainfall per year are in the Southeast, among them North Carolina.1 Raleigh, in fact, is one of the top cities in the U.S. that receive more than 45 inches of rain per year. All of this rain has to end up somewhere, and sometimes, it has nowhere to drain.
Flooding in North Carolina is a scarily common occurrence, and residents should prepare their homes accordingly in case of an emergency. Typically speaking, people will know when the threat of flooding is high. By paying attention to weather reports during periods of heavy rain and during hurricane season, residents can become more aware of flood watches and warnings.
If you know your area is in danger of flooding, the safest thing for you to do is evacuate when the risk is high. Listen to local and state officials about the best course of action to protect you and your loved ones. If you cannot leave the area, then seek higher ground. Flash flooding can occur very quickly, and if you’re still in the area, you may become trapped in the floodwaters. You should not try to move through the water, either by foot or vehicle. Water may not look deep or dangerous, but it can be deceptively powerful.
To prepare your home for a flood, start with the lower levels and ground items. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends “elevating critical utilities, such as electrical panels, switches, sockets, wiring, appliances, and heating systems.”2 Valuables and furniture should also be placed on high ground or in a safe place. It may be necessary to waterproof your basement if you live in a place that frequently floods.
The threat of flooding can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be all-consuming and compromise your peace of mind. If you have flood insurance, then you are financially protected for the damage a flood may cause. This goes beyond people who live near the coast or a lake or river. Flooding can occur anywhere, even dozens of miles inland. Standard insurance policies in North and South Carolina do not cover flooding, but it is something that is necessary to protect your home in a worst case scenario.
At Penny Insurance Agency, we know weather can be unpredictable, and we understand the threat floods create. Contact us today to learn more about flood insurance and the other types of emergency situations we can help cover you from.
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